There are several different guides, called style manuals, that outline how to format your citations correctly. These styles include the same basic parts of a citation, but they organize and present them differently. Which style you use depends on the subject discipline, your instructor's preferences, and sometimes even the school you go to. Ask your instructor when you are uncertain about which style to use.

Some Common Writing Style Manuals:

	The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) The APA style is often used by students in the Social Sciences.
	MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers The MLA (Modern Language Association) style, is often used by students in the Humanities (languages and literature).
	A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations This style by Kate Turabian is a student version of a longer guide, The Chicago Manual of Style, which is often used by students of History.